Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by train: Fares, booking tips & more

1. Overview of trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

1.1. Distance, duration, fares

The train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City covers approximately 1,726 kilometers. This route, famously known as the Reunification Express, offers travelers breathtaking, days-long views of the Vietnamese coastline and countryside.

Traveling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by train typically takes around 35 hours. Faster trains, like the SE1, can complete the journey in 33 hours, while others may take 37 hours.

Fares for this long-haul trip vary based on the seat class. For example, hard seats start at 744,000 VND, soft seats at 966,000 VND, sleeper berths ranging between 1,146,000 VND and 1,652,000 VND (4-berth or 6-berth cabins), and up to 3,233,000 VND for 2-berth cabins. 

*Note: These Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City train costs are for reference only. The actual ticket prices may fluctuate depending on the time of purchase, passenger category, and seat location. Fares typically include insurance.

1.2. Route

The journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by train begins at Hanoi Railway Station, 120 Le Duan Street. As a vital transport hub, this station played a key role in the resistance wars, moving supplies and manpower south while keeping the railway network intact despite heavy bombings. The journey ends at Saigon Railway Station, 1 Nguyen Thong Street. Built by the French and inaugurated in 1885, this station remains a major gateway and a vivid witness to Vietnam's railway history.

The journey spans 30 stations, passing by many tourist destinations, including: 

• Ninh Binh Railway Station (Ninh Binh)
• Thanh Hoa Railway Station (Thanh Hoa)
• Vinh Railway Station (Nghe An)
• Dong Hoi Railway Station (Quang Tri)
• Hue Railway Station (Hue)
• Da Nang Railway Station (Da Nang)
• Dieu Tri Railway Station (Gia Lai)
• Tuy Hoa Railway Station (Dak Lak)
• Nha Trang Railway Station (Khanh Hoa)

Notably, when the train passes through Da Nang, it glides over Lang Co Bay and winds around the stunning Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal stretches. Along the journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh by train, travelers can enjoy a captivating mix of lush landscapes and seascapes.

1.3. Facilities & services

Traveling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by train offers a variety of seating options, from hard seats to sleeper berths. On this journey of over 30 hours, you’ll do everything on the train. Each car has a small washbasin with a mirror and a compact toilet, while some sleeper cabins provide hot water for tea or instant noodles. Most sleeper cabins, especially VIP cabins, include power outlets and USB ports for charging devices.

Meals can be enjoyed in the dining car or delivered to your seat, including noodles, rice, porridge, and snacks. Every sleeper car has a dedicated attendant to check tickets, hand out bedding, help with meals, or assist with any requests, day or night.

2. Schedule of trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Here are the trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City:

3. How to book Hanoi to Saigon train tickets?

There are a few ways to book Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City train tickets. You can buy tickets at any railway station, book online through the official website of Vietnam Railways (dsvn.vn), or reserve via Vietnamese payment apps such as MoMo, ZaloPay, and VNPay, which may occasionally offer discounts.

Here is a quick guide to book tickets on dsvn.vn:

• Enter passenger details: Your full name, ID number (or passport number). For children, enter the date of birth exactly as shown on their birth certificate.
• Verify payment details: Enter buyer information and complete payment using a valid bank card. You will receive a booking code.
• Collecting tickets: Present your ID (or passport) and booking code at the station to collect tickets.

>>> Check out the bus from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City also!

4. Is it worth traveling from Hanoi to Saigon by train?

The Hanoi - Saigon train offers a slower, more scenic alternative to flying or taking long-distance buses. If you’re looking for a relaxed journey without the stress of airport procedures or unpredictable bus pick-ups, the train can be a genuinely rewarding choice.

Why the train is worth it:

• Simple procedures: No long check-in lines or baggage checks. You only need to arrive about 20 minutes early and wait comfortably until departure.
• Use your devices freely: You can freely use your phone or laptop with internet connection throughout the trip. You can also take photos or videos of the views along the way - something you can’t do on a plane.
• Budget-friendly: Train fares are generally cheaper than other options and tend to be more stable.
• Slow travel: With a slower pace, you can see rice fields and forests through the window, take photos, share the moment with companions, or simply enjoy some quiet time. Slow travel also means little motion sickness.

5. Tips for a train journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

To make your train journey smoother and more enjoyable, keep these tips in mind:

• Travel time: The SE1 train usually has the shortest travel time.
• Book early: Book tickets 1-2 weeks in advance. If you are going to travel during major holidays, book 2-3 months early. 
• Enjoy the scenery: This train journey is one of the world’s most beautiful. In June 2025, it was named the best rail experience globally by the Lonely Planet.
• Stay mindful on board: Keep valuables with you when moving between cars. Bring personal toiletries for the night.
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available but weak - prepare your own data plan for convenience.
• Overnight stay: The Hanoi-Saigon train requires you to spend one night onboard, so bring essentials like a face towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, and toilet paper.

>>> Read more: Ho Chi Minh City itinerary: A perfect travel guide by days

FAQs about trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City 

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Saigon by train?

The Hanoi to Saigon train time is usually between 33-37 hours.

What seat or cabin types are available in trains from Hanoi to Saigon?

Hard seats, soft seats, 6-berth cabins, 4-berth cabins, 2-berth cabins.

How much do Hanoi to Saigon train tickets cost?

744,000 VND for hard seats, 966,000 VND for soft seats, 1,146,000 VND and more for sleeper berths.

Is traveling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by train better than flying?

It depends on your preference. Flights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City are faster, but the slow pace of the train has its own appeal - the scenery and the experience.

Are there any luxury trains from Hanoi to Saigon?

The SJourney Luxury is Vietnam’s first luxury train that goes from north to south, offering an 8-day-7-night journey. It has 13 cars, among which there are 10 passenger cars and 2 restaurant cars. Each cabin is designed like a hotel room, with a private bathroom and luxury furnishings. Prices start at 8,610 USD per person, including meals, drinks, guide services, and sightseeing activities at each stop.

Going from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by train is a unique way to explore Vietnam. It offers breathtaking scenery and a slower pace to truly savor the experience. For travelers seeking adventure, taking the train is a rewarding choice.

When you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, take some time to explore Grand Park, a popular entertainment complex featuring an amusement park, a water park, and many outdoor activities - perfect for families or anyone seeking fun during their Vietnam travel.

Book tickets of Grand Park

Beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is full of other incredible destinations worth visiting such as Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. In these places, the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl provide luxury accommodation with pools, spas, fine dining restaurants, and event venues. For more fun-filled experiences, you can also enjoy VinWonders, a chain of entertainment complexes that feature all sorts of games and shows suitable for the whole family.

Discover more about Vinpearl resorts & hotels